Innovative Micro Technology (IMT) has formed a life sciences division focused on developing miniaturised products for the medical, diagnostics, and research markets that employ Mems systems.
The company also announced the appointment of James P Linton as division president.
IMT said it established the life sciences division in response to growing demand for smaller, smarter, and more efficient devices, including micropumps for drug delivery and patient management, non-invasive medical sensors, and point-of-care diagnostics.
The division offers fee-for-service and collaborative co-development programmes for both customers and partners.
Micro-electromechanical systems (Mems) integrate mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through microfabrication technology - similar to that used to produce microelectronic integrated circuits for computers.
Mems combine the 'thinking' of computer chips with functional subsystems that carry out physical tasks, such as 'seeing', 'sensing', 'measuring', and 'moving' materials, fluids, gases, and more.
As a result, Mems have the potential to create 'smart' systems that can also reduce product size and cost.
Mems have already been employed in a variety of 'smart' products including automotive airbag deployment systems, traction-control systems, ordinance guidance systems, broadband communications platforms, and infrared imaging applications.
